Couch bed



Jan, 6, 1925.

G. s'rlcKLEY COUCH BED Filed Dec. 3, 1919 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 raqzycv's.

Jan, 6, 1925.

G, STICKLEY GOUGH BED Filed Dec. 5, 1219 l ||l||||||l||| .firme/vayas.

.Z'NVENTOR Bv um Jan. 6, 1925- 1,521,975v

G. STICKLEY COUGH BED Filed Dec. 5, 1919 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Bv Je; f@ t?lh-Tammy:

Patented Jan. 6, 1925.

UNIT'VD STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GUSTAV STICKLEY, Ul? FiYR-ACUSE, NE i YRK, AESGNE T() STCKLCYEX'E-NSIO'N BEI) COMPANY. INC., F SYRACUSE, NEW' YORK. l

COUCH BED.

Application filed December 3, 1919.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that l, GUs'r/iv S'ricnnnv, ol Syracuse, in the county ofOnondaga, in the State of New York, have invented new and usefulImprovements in Couch Beds, of which the following, taken in connectionwith the accompanyinzgdrawings, -is a liull, clear, and exactdescription.

This invention relates to certain improvements in couch beds and morespecifically to a convertible article `adapted to be` used as a couch oras a single or a double bed and this application is a continuation, inpart, ot my co-pending application, Serial No. 155,512, tiled Marchi?,191.7.

The primary object oit the invention is to produce a durable, etlicientand convenient couch-bed of pleasing' appearance` and constituting aunitary article of manufacture, the composite parts ot which arepermanent'- ly associated and some ot .which parts are moveably mountedupon the sli deable beneath associated parts,-su.eli slideable partshaving a portion capable oit vertical movement, together with means forreadily and easily effecting such vertical movement oit' said portion tosubstantially the plane'ol' saidras-v sociated parts and Yforsupportingsuch portion at said elevation when said slideable parte aremoved 'from beneath the Vassociated parts.

A unique form of mattress is provided lior use in connection with thecombination oit elements above set forth, i

Other objects and advantages related to the details olf construction,torm and arrangement of the elements of the article and to, perhaps,preferred constructional teatures of the same as will more fully appearfrom the 'following' description, take-n in connection with theaccompanying d rawinpjs in which y Figs. im and Q- are perspective viewsof my 'couch-bed, shown as collapsed in Fig. -1- to be used as a couchor single bed and shown as extended in Fing-Q tor use as a double bed.

Fig. 3h is a cross section on line 3 3, Fig. 1.

serial No. 342,057.

Figa -etis a cross section on line 4%, Fig. -2-.

Fig. --5- is a cross section on line 5 5, Fig. -l-.

Fig. -6- 1s a cross section on line 6-t, Fig. -2-.

VAs illustrated, this couch-bed, broadly considered, comprises a maintraine, --'l--, a supplemental trame, -2--, mounted upon the main trameand slideably laterally thereon; and an auxiliary trame, 3--, mountedupon the supplemental frame and preferably collapsible within the trameand moveable at substantially right angles to the direction taken by thesupplemental trame in its sliding,` movement on the main trame,

to an elevation substantially on a level withl the mattress carrying,`portions of the main iframe. The structure, tlu-irefore, comprises threecomplete, distinct and relatively moveable trames associated in aunitary structure, having, when collapsed, the appearance ot a couch orsingle bed.

The main frame, -l--, as illust-rated, comprises separate pairs ofposts, m11-, spaced apart longitudinally to determine the length of thecouch-bed,-the posts of each pair being,` spaced apart laterally todeterminethe width olf the conch-bed when collapsed. lThe posts of eachpair are rigidly connected as by an end-board, -5-, and perhapspreferably by one or more additional superposed cross bars, --G-, whichmay be used *for ornamental purposes and may, as shown in connectionwith the end-boards, -5-4, carry a series ci spindles, -7-- lVhe'therused for ornamentation or not, the additional cross bars serve tomaterially stiillen the main frame, -1--.

The rear posts, 4l-w, et both pairs are rigidly connected by alengthwise bar or rail, -8-, somewhat similar in cross section, butconsiderably longer than the end bars or rails, -5--, and disposed inapproximately the same horizontal plane as and at` right ang-les to saidend-boards or rails.

The posts, -a-, and their connecting endboards, -5- and side board, -8,carry a rectangular framework, --9-, preferably formed, of angleiron,-the separate side and end bars of which are connected at thecontacting` corners in any suitable manner to form a rigid framework.This framework may be secured to the posts and their connecting parts byextending lag screws, -10-, through the end bars, --ll-, of the angleiron framework and into the end rails, -5 disposed at opposite ends ofthe bed. This angle iron framework, -9-, adds materially to the rigidityof the main framework of which it forms a part. Y

The end and side bars of the frame m9- carry intersecting cross pieces,-l2-, and -l2*, respectfully spaced apart a suitable distance to permitthe proper assemblage of a series of springs, -l3 upon the bars, suchspringsforming a resilient support for the mattress, -M-- In Fig. 5- Ihave illustrated the construction'of one end of. the bed only, but itwill be understood that this figure illustrates the construction of bothends of the bed as they areidentical.

The construction so far described in detail constitutes what I term themain frame of the structure and the angle iron framework -9- issupported at a suficient distance above the lower end of the posts 41Hto provide adequate space for the reception of the supplemental frame,-Q-.

For the purpose of supporting and sliceably carrying the supplementalframe, 2-, each pair of posts, -4i-, is provided with a connecting'cross bar, -l5e secured between the posts of its respective pair in anysuitable manner, preferably including a mortise joint. These cross bars,15 when disposed at the proper height from the lower end of posts, -4may, as shown, be spaced some distance from the end boards, -5-; and theintermediate space provides room for the insertion of a panel, mln-iEach cross bar, 15- carries a suitable supporting track or runway forthe supplemental frame, and, as shown, this track is formed of ametallic plate, T/ secured to the lower side of the cross bar, lrandprojecting inwardly7 therefrom a suilicient distance to form a supportor sliding track for the end bars -l8-- of the supplemental frame, -Q,-.

This supplemental frame, -2-, comn prises the end rails, --18- and theside rails., l9- said side rails being` of slightly less length than'theside board 8- so as to slide between the opposite pairs of posts --4-and the end rails -lS- are connected to the side rails preferably by theuse of angular corner pieces, `Q/O- secured to both the adjacent end andside rail as by screws or otherwise, having their lower ends connectedby a cross web, -2l-, to assist in supporting the auxiliary framehereinafter described. Y

The end rails, -18 of this supplemental frame, -2- are supported uponthe main frame by means of the plate or track, d] 7, and are freelyslideable on said plates lat-erally with respect to the main frame frombeneath the said main frame to permit the utilization of the auxiliaryframe and structure carried thereby as a continuation of themattress-supporting portion of the main frame.

In order to assist in supportingthe supplemental frame when removed frombeneath the main frame, the end rails 1S are provided with legs --22` ofsuitable length to support the outer side of the supplemental frame on alevel with the inner side of said frame as carried by the track,

lNithin the supplemental frame, -2--, is mounted an auxiliary frame,Hype, of substantially rectangular form and preferably formed of angleiron,-the side rails, 24fof which may be secured to the end rails, Z5-in any suitable manner to provide a rigid structuie. It will beunderstood that the side rails, --24- are of slightly less length thanthe side rails, -l9- of the supplemental frame and that the end rails,-25, are in a like manner of slightly less length than the end rails-lS-, so that the rigid auxiliary frame is more or less loosely mountedwithin the supplemental frame to permit its vertical movement within andrelatively to the frame when actuated hy suitable mechanism provided forthat purpose.

In like manner as with the main frame work, the side and end rails, 24-and -25- carry a series of intersecting cross plates, -26-- and -2(i-,spaced apart a suitable distance and carrying a sullicient number ofspring members, -27- constituting a resilient mattress-supportinpj meansof a nature similar to that provided in connection with the main frame.The corners ol the auxiliary frame are adapted to rest upon the webs,-Ql-vof the corner pieces, -20- when said auxiliary frame is lowered ortelescoped within supplemental frame, -2 and for the purpose ofpermitting its ready and easy elevation to the proper height to conformwith the level of the inattress-supporting portion of the main frame, Iprovide separate pairs of angular rock arms, 28, one pair for each endof the frame, -2-, correspondingl arms of each pair being pivotedcoaxially at -2Slto suitable plates, SO- on the inner faces o f the siderails, -l0 of the supplemental frame, near the lower edges thereof andof equal distance inwardly from the end rails.. -l8-.

Plates, -30-, are perhaps preferably circular in form and countersunk inthe side rails, -19-, so that their inner faces are lun liitl restavasubstantially flush therewith, leaving the pivotal studs, Q9,projecting,` inwardly towards each other a short distance for receivingthe lower ends of the angular roch arms, 228, which roclr in planesclose to the inner faces of said side rails, 19%.

Preferably the arms of each angular roclr arm are disposed at an angleslightly greater than the right angle, the rock arms of each pairbeing,` connected at their angles by cross bars, 3land just below theirangles by additional cross bars, A52-1 rlfhe luixiliary frame rests uponand is directly supported by the cross bars, w-Blm when the frame iselevated. The lower arms, as b3- of the rock arms, Q8-n, are adapted toswing through an are of slightly more than 9() degrees or from aposition below the horizontal plane of the pivots, 30-d at the innersides thereof, to a position slightly beyond the vertical. plane of saiddevice at the outer sides thereof, as shown clearly in lligure --tl-, toallow the auxiliary frame to rest upon the webs or ledges, -2l--, whenin its lowerinost position, and also to cause the weight of theauxiliary frame to automatically lock the roclr arms against accidentalinward movement when the said auxiliary frame is raised to the level ofthe main framework, n--9--.

The other arms, as -34- of the rock arms, M23- are of sufficient lengthto extend to substantially the inner edge of the end rails, -l8-, andare so -positioned as to rest. upon the upper ends of the corner pieces,20 when the auxiliary frame is in its predetermined position. The cornerpieces thereby constitute a rigid and eilicient support for the arms,fiel-M in elevated position of the auxiliary frame. At least one of thearms, --34l-- and preferably the one disposed at the forward side of thecouch-bed, may be provided with a handle or operatingportion, S5-having' a suitable grip to afford an easy means for operating the rockarm to raise and lower the auxiliary frame.

lfllhen the auxiliary frame is elevated, the mattress wlais so formed asbest shown Figures, --3 and Jlto provide a portion, #36* adapted to beplaced over the springs 27h of the auxiliary frame and for this purposethe mattress is formed of two connected similarly shaped parts by meansof a covering, m37- which extends continuously across the upper side ofboth the parts, --3G- and 3S and then around the outer sides of themattress portions and across the lower surface to the median line atwhich line a loop is formed extending` substantially to the covering'upon the front of the mattress and separatinn' the same into two partswith a hinged connection, so that the two parts may be folded one uponthe other without wrinlrling, to form a double mattress for a single bedor it may be unfolded to forni a single mattress for a double bed,inboth cases the upper surface being continuous and unbrolren.

Preferably, the outer one of the side rails, m19- of the supplen'ientalframe, -'wis of considerable lgreater vertical width than its companionrail and extends above the lower edge of the mattress when thesupplemental frame is moved beneath the main frame and above the upperends of the springs, -)7-, when the auxiliary frame is elevated, andpreferably the upper edge portion, -50, is faced and covered with clothidentical with that used for covering the n'iattress, let-5 and for thepurpose of holding' the supplemental frame in its collapsed position, apawl m-3 9- is provided, pivoted upon the inner face of the rail, l9 andprovided with an offset portion adapted to engage the inner surface ofthe angle bar --ll-- of the framework, -9-.

lill hen .it is desired to use the structure as a double bed, it ismerely necessary to move the pawl, -99 sutliciently so as to disengageit with the angle iron, -llwand then draw out the supplemental frame-*bygrasping the front side board or rail, --l9-. lWhen the supplementalframe has been moved the proper distance, further movement isautomatically prevented by means of catches, *410- secured to each ofthe end rails, l-U, and adapted to engage flanges, llldepending` fromthe ends of the tracks, -l 7, When this position is reached, operationof the roclr arms, 2S- through. the medium of handle portions --35 willelevate the auxiliary frame to the level of the framework, -9-.

Endwise movement of the auxiliary frame during* its elevation isprevented by means of stud, *42* secured to the side rail, 24e-w andriding,l in a vertical slot, 43- between a pair of upright cleats, h44-secured to the inner side of one of the side rails, m19, and preferablyas shown upon the front one of side rails.

It will be noted that the composite unitary structure of this articlecomprises a main frame of rigid character, a supplemental frame mountedupon the main frame and slideably carried thereby in such a. manner asto permit a limited lateral movement of the .supplemental frame to aposition where an auxiliary frame moveably carried by the supplementalframe is free for vertical movement upon the supplemental frame to aposition upon a level with the main framework, so as to constitute asubstantial continuation thereof, combined with means for preventinglany movement of said auxiliary frame that would tend to prevent itsassuming a delinite predetermined position with reference to the mainframe.

It will be noted that I have shown and described a preferred form andconstruction of couch-bed and that various changes and modifications maybe made in the details of such construction, form and arrangement of theassociated elements of the structure without departing from my inventionas set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is l. A bed comprising separate pairs of posts, the pairsof posts spaced to determine the length of the article and the posts ofleach pair spaced to determine the width of the article, and railsconnecting the posts of each pair and a side rail connecting the pairsof posts, a rigid rectangular frame fitting within and secured to all ofthe posts, laterally extending tracks carried by the pairs of posts, anelongated box-like framework having its opposite ends mounted uponrespective tracks and slidable thereon from beneath the rigidrectangular frame, a second rigid rectangular frame mounted within thebox-like structure and movable vertically with reference to the same andmeans for elevating the second rigid rectangular frame to substantiallythe level of the first named rigid rectangular frame when the box-likeframework is moved laterally from beneath therfirst named rigidrectangular frame.

2. A bed comprising separate pairs of posts, the pairs of posts spacedto determine the length of the article and the posts of each pair spacedto determine the width of the article, end rails connecting the posts ofeach pair and a side rail connecting the pairs of posts, a rigidrectangular frame fitting within and secured to all of the posts,laterally extending tracks carried by the pairs of posts, an elongatedbox-like framework having its opposite ends mounted upon respectivetracks and slidable thereon from beneath the rigid rectangular frame, asecond rigid rectangular frame mounted within the box-like structure andmovable vertically with reference to the same and means for elevatingthe second rigid rectangular frame to substantially the level of thefirst named rigid rectangular frame when the box-like framework is movedlaterally from beneath the first named rigid rectangular frame, and aseries of springs carried by each of said iigid rectangular frames.

3.- A bed comprising separate pairs of posts, the pairs of posts spacedto determine the length of the article and the posts of each pair spacedto determine the width of the article, end rails connecting the posts ofeach pair and a side rail connecting the pairs of posts, a rigidrectangular frame fitting withinfand secured to all of the posts,laterally extending tracks carried bythe pairs of posts, an elongatedbox-like framework having its opposite ends mounted upon respectivetracks and slidable thereon from beneath the rigid rectangular frame, asecond rigid rectangular frame mounted within the box-like structure andmovable vertically with reference to the saine, means for elevating thesecond rigid rectangular frame to substantially the level of the firstnamed rigid rectangular frame when the box-like framework is movedlaterally from beneath the first named rigid rectangular frame, a seriesof springs carried by each of said rigid rectangular frames, and amattress including two hingedly connected parts normally forming amattress of two thicknesses resting upon the springs of the first namedrigid rectangular frame, one of said thicknesses adapted to be movedabout the other to a position over the springs of the second rigidrectangular frame to form a single thickness mattress with a continuous,unbroken upper surface for a double bed.

4. A bed comprising separate pairs of posts, the pairs of posts spacedto determine the length of the article and the posts of each pair spacedto determine the width of the article, end rails connectig the posts ofeach pair, a side rail connecting the pairs of posts, a rigidrectangular frame fitting within and secured to all of the posts,laterally extending tracks carried by the pairs of posts, an elongatedbox-like framework having its opposite ends mounted upon respectivetracks and slidable thereon from beneath the rigid rectangular frame,means for limiting the sliding movement of said box-like framework, asecond rigid rectangular frame mounted within the box-like structure andmovable vertically with reference to the same and means for elevatingthe second rigid rectangular frame to substantially the level of thefirst named rigid rectangular frame when the box-like framework is movedlaterally from beneath the said iirst named rigid rectangular frame.

5. A bed comprising a main frame, including head and foot sections andside rails connecting said sections to form a rigid rectangularframework, laterally extending tracks carried by the main frame at thehead and foot sections, a supplemental rigid rectangular frame havingits respective ends mounted on said tracks, and slidable laterallythereon to and from a position beneath the main frame, means forlimiting such sliding movement, an auxiliary rigid rectangular framemounted on the supple- Vmental frame, and movable vertically withreference to the supplemental frame, a pair of rock arms pivotedrespectively to the longitudinal rails of the supplemental frame nearthe head portion thereof, a cross bar for connecting said rock arms toform a first rocking framework, a second pair of rock nrms pi'votedrespectively t0 the longitudinal Side rails el the Supplemental 'framenear the foot portion thereof, n cross bnr 'for cennectingg seid rockarms to forni n second rocking 'f1'ni11ewe1k,snid rocking rnn'leworksadapted Jfor elevating the auxiliary 'frame to substantially the levelof the said Springenrryng framework of the main frame, and

e Seriee of springs carried by the auxiliary frame.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand this 29th day ofNovember, 1919.

GUSTAV STICKLEY. l/Vitnesses HOWARD P. DmNISeN, H. E. CHASE.

